Whether you are someone who counts down the days to next Christmas beginning every December 26th or you are an authentic Grinch, it is impossible not to feel the holiday spirit when you visit the Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge. It is known as the “largest permanent Christmas retailer in the American South, and one of the largest in the United States.” And before you think you don’t really need to pay a visit to a holiday specialty store, consider that it offers “everything Christmas.” From ornaments and premium artificial trees to lighting for indoors or out, it also makes musical recordings, gifts, décor of all kinds, collectibles and many other items available. And whether you lean towards the country style of décor or a totally modern look, they’ll have plenty to catch your eye. In fact, a quick look at the categories of products available makes it easy to see that it really can be your go-to destination for holiday shopping whether you visit in July or January. Even more exciting is the fact that they operate within a unique E.L.F. Philosophy (Empowerment, Leadership and Fun). This is one in which the goal of every employee is to ensure that all guests have a shopping experience that “represents the spirit of Christmas, provided by highly trained, friendly, and caring employees.” Who on earth needs the mall when there are people, whoops “elves,” eager to ensure you have a positive day or two of shopping. And if you are thinking that it all sounds great but you cannot lug your loot back home with you, think again. With items like full-sized Christmas trees and delicate ornaments as well as perishable items, they understand you may not have room in the car or wish to haul such things into an airport. That is why they have shipping available for any and all purchases. You can have flat rates for standard purchases and specialty rates for express, special locations, or oversized items, too. If you think that you just won’t be able to walk into such a location and make good choices for your holiday decorating scheme, you may appreciate their decoration services. Available for homes and businesses, they pair you with one of the Incredible Christmas Place designers who listens to your preferences and then works with you to put together a customized holiday decorating scheme that can include everything from bows and ornaments to trees and lighting. They even have expert outdoor lighting teams to help you make flawless plans! And if you want to enjoy a stay in the Incredible Christmas Place, you can book your room at the Inn at Christmas Place with year-round holiday décor, luxurious rooms and lots to enjoy on the premises. Whether you want to enhance your holidays or get into the Christmas spirit come July, you will want to pay a visit to the Incredible Christmas Place when you visit Pigeon Forge and the Smokies.
While fall gets all the fame, winter is a magical time to hike the Smokies. With the leaves down, the mountains open up, revealing views you’d never see otherwise. Here are our top tips for making the most of it, while staying safe.
If you’re a beginner, start with a low-elevation trail.
The higher you climb, the colder and more unpredictable the weather becomes. Atop Mount LeConte (6,593 ft), for example, temperatures can run 15-20 °F colder or more than at the valley below.
If you’re new to hiking, the safest bet is to start with lower elevation trails. Here are a few options near the Townsend entrance:
Avent Cabin (Elkmont) – 2.0 miles roundtrip, ~500 ft gain
Abrams Falls (Cades Cove/Townsend) – 5.2 miles roundtrip, ~675 ft gain
Schoolhouse Gap (Townsend) – 3.8 miles roundtrip, ~513 ft gain
You can also use the park’s live webcams at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) and Look Rock to preview weather conditions from home. They even track air quality, which can affect both breathing and visibility on the trail.
Tell someone your plan.
Even if you’re going with a buddy, let someone back home know your route, expected start and finish times, and where you’re parking. Cell service is spotty throughout the Smokies, so having a backup person is important if anything unexpected happens.
Bring plenty of water.
Colder temperatures can suppress thirst, but hydration is important no matter the weather. Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Prepare for rapidly changing mountain weather.
A sunny start can turn into snow, fog or icy wind on the ridges, so pack as if it will be colder and wetter than the forecast suggests. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell. That way, you can easily adjust as conditions change.
Keep your hands warm and dry.
Gloves get wet fast in the Smokies’ damp winter air, especially on popular trails with icy railings and slick rocks. Pack a waterproof pair, bring a backup and toss in hand warmers so you can keep your fingers moving comfortably all day.
Start early in the day.
Winter days are short, and the sun dips behind the ridges faster than you might expect. Hitting the trail early gives you plenty of daylight to work with, as well as a buffer if things go slower than you planned.
The American Hiking Society suggests setting a firm turnaround time before you leave home. Naismith’s Rule can help you calculate this: one hour for every three miles, plus an extra hour for every 2,000 feet of ascent.
Watch your footing.
When daylight is short, even a minor twist or stumble can derail your plans. Fallen leaves and snow can hide holes, roots, stumps and rocks. Move carefully, and consider using trekking poles for extra stability.
Bring a First Aid kit.
It’s important to bring a First Aid kit year-round, but there are a few items that become especially important in the wintertime:
Emergency blanket
Hand and foot warmers
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Extra gloves and socks
Small tarp
Lightweight fire-starting kit
Thermal hat
Respect wildlife.
Wildlife activity slows in winter, but animals still need plenty of space. Black bears, for example, don’t truly hibernate. They enter a lighter sleep state called torpor, where they rest for long stretches but can still wake up, especially on warmer days.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Hiking as a beginner can feel intimidating—especially when it seems like everyone else is already a pro. But you’re not alone. A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 26% are interested in trying hiking. Even if you missed out on scouts or summer camp as a kid, it’s never too late to get started.
Let’s tackle some common concerns that many beginners share.
Insects and pests (56%)
The Smokies do have mosquitos, gnats and ticks, but they’re easy to manage with insect repellent and proper clothing. Jeans or tall socks and a hat can make a big difference. And if you’re still concerned, stick to popular trails, where the crowds keep the bugs at bay.
Running into wildlife (40%)
Seeing wildlife like deer or wild turkeys is actually part of what makes the Smokies special. Bear sightings are possible, but serious encounters are rare. The park has clear guidelines for safely storing food and keeping your distance. If you follow the rules—make noise while hiking, carry bear spray and store food properly—you’re very unlikely to have an issue. Most animals want nothing to do with humans.
Getting lost (36%)
Trail signage in the Smokies is generally excellent, especially on popular routes. Free maps are available at visitor centers, and apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS let you download offline maps to track your location in real time. If you’re sticking to marked trails and start your hike early in the day, you’re not likely to get lost. Rangers also patrol the most popular areas, and you can always share your plans with someone ahead of time for peace of mind.
Needing a bathroom (35%)
Most major trailheads and visitor centers have restrooms. For backcountry hikes, it’s easy to learn Leave No Trace bathroom basics. Portable toilet options and privacy kits make it even easier. If you’re new to the outdoors, starting with short hikes near visitor centers will ensure you’ll always have a bathroom nearby.
Running out of food (19%) and water (34%)
For day hikes, packing enough snacks and water is simple. A reusable water bottle or hydration pack and a few granola bars go a long way. If you’re camping, there are water sources near most campgrounds (just bring a filter or purification tablets). You don’t need to carry gallons—just refill when needed. Park rangers and guidebooks can help you plan for the right amount depending on your hike.
Ready to get started?
You can check out Hiking in the Smokys for ten of the easiest hikes, perfect for beginners. If you’d rather not go it alone, several local businesses offer guided group hikes.
Little River Trading Co. in Maryville hosts an annual hiking series with guided group hikes. Each outing includes a required prep session with trail details and tips, followed by private fittings for boots and backpacks.
Smoky Mountain Guidesfacilitates small group hiking trips, ranging from 2-4 hours to 3-4 days.Mountain Challengealsooffers group hiking trips upon request, specializing in teambuilding and outdoor education.
Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting Trails Forever hikes now through November. They take place on the second Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of each month, as well as some Saturdays. Tuesday hikes are longer (more than 7 miles) and more challenging, while Wednesday and Saturday hikes are beginner friendly.
When you feel ready to level up, The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremontoffers weeklong hiking and backpacking adventures. Drawing participants from across the country, they tend to fill up quickly.
Where will you go? We’d love to hear about your experience. Tag us to be featured on our social media (@PeacefulSmokies).
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
For courting couples, Sunday was another chance to see each other.
Large households shaped the logistics of dating. Families of 10 to 12 children weren’t unusual, and privacy was limited in one- and two-room cabins. That pushed conversations outside, on porches and in yards.
One interpretive guide for the Cove published by the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont points visitors to a porch bench near Cable Mill used for “sparking,” an older term for courting.
The word also shows up in a recorded Cades Cove interview from the 1930s, where a speaker recalls older boys teasing children about “sparking,” and an adult stepping in to explain what it meant.
“This picture was taken at Maryville Tenn on Saturday afternoon of January 26, 1901… Next day, Sunday, Nancy Ann and I rode horseback… to Cades Cove a distance of 20 miles… We were 22 years old and not married. We were married Sept. 4, 1901.” —John W. Oliver
Oliver (1878–1966) is the author of the Fifty Years in Cades Cove memoirs, a handwritten account of the valley’s families and daily life from early settlement through the early 1900s.Photo courtesy of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “Fifty Years in Cades Cove Collection.” John W. Oliver and wife, Nancy Ann (Maryville, 1901).
Sparking often moved toward marriage. In much of Southern Appalachia, weddings were informal during this era, staged in either the bride’s or groom’s home.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
From tree lightings and makers markets to concerts, fun runs and cozy workshops, December on the Peaceful Side is full of festive fun. Here’s a preview of what’s happening this month, with a late November event to kick things off.
Wrap up the downtown holiday market with the City of Maryville tree lighting at the Maryville Municipal Parking Garage on Broadway. The tree will be lit at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the lighting of the City of Alcoa Christmas tree at the pedestrian bridge at the Springbrook Corporate Center in Alcoa at 6:15 p.m. Following the ceremony, enjoy special music, refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus.
The annual “A Maryville Christmas” concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre at the Clayton Center for the Arts. The evening features the Maryville College Concert Choir performing A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, sing-along selections with the Orchestra at Maryville College, the Maryville College Community Chorus, and chamber ensembles Off Kilter, Lads and Lassies sharing beloved holiday classics.
The Blount County Courthouse lawn in Downtown Maryville will be illuminated by live Christmas trees of all sizes, colors and themes, with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. The opening celebration includes entertainment, refreshments and Santa Claus, and the trees remain on display throughout the month for visitors to walk through or drive by and enjoy.
Presented by the Blount County Arts & Crafts Guild, the Santa Mouse Christmas House fills Dotson Memorial Baptists Church in Maryville (814 Dotson Memorial Rd) with handmade arts and crafts. Shop unique gifts and decor from local artisans throughout this three-day holiday event.
Join Peaceful Side Brewery in Maryville from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening of education and tasting. Learn about the history of farmhouse brewing and taste a curated selection of Belgian and American saisons, each paired with the story behind the brewery that created it.
Broadway Center for the Arts presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a heartwarming holiday tradition filled with laughter and the true meaning of Christmas. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., featuring a talented cast from across East Tennessee.
H.O.M.E. (Hall-Oldfield-Maryville Empowerment) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Alcoa partner for this annual community celebration to kick off the Christmas season, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Enjoy family fun and light refreshments at 209 E Franklin Street.
Head to Maryville College campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Maryville Makers Market Christmas Event. Browse more than 100 makers, and enjoy live music, demonstrations, kids’ activities and food vendors.
The Appalachian Ballet Company and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra present The Nutcracker, bringing this beloved holiday classic to life at the Clayton Center for the Arts over two days. Act One features a glittering holiday party and snowy scene, while Act Two transports audiences to the Land of the Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy, Cavalier and more.
The final leg of the Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running features a 5K road race and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk from 2 to 4 p.m. Awards are given to Overall and Masters winners, the top three in each age division and the best male and female Christmas costumes. All Fun Run participants receive a keepsake, and a portion of proceeds benefits the Empty Pantry Fund.
Louisville Mercantile kicks off a week of holiday fun, running December 8-13. Each day features a new special, with a highlight Sip & Shop event on Thursday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Children ages 3–6 in Blount County can receive a very special phone call from Santa Claus between 5 and 7 p.m. Thaks to volunteers from the Maryville-Alcoa Civitan Club, Santa will ring directly from the North Pole for this free program. The deadline to register is December 8.
Southern Grace Coffee Co. Hosts its annual Christmas Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., packed with local vendors, hot coffee and cocoa, baked goods (including dairy-free and gluten-free options), boutique clothing, handcrafted decor and gifts.
Experience a taste of Appalachian Christmas traditions at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center’s Christmas in the Village festivities. Enjoy living history demonstrations, evening tours of historic structures and warm refreshments during select weekend evenings (12/5–12/6, 12/12–12/13 and 12/19–12/20) from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
In all honesty, it can be said that there is not a bad or wrong time to visit the Smokies. You can find a long list of indoor and outdoor activities at any time of year, and just paying a visit to a woodland cabin and enjoying a crackling fire may be all you need for the best experience. Yet, if you are eager to see and do the many things available in the region, it might be wise to book your visit in what might be called the “off-season.”
The Off-Season in the Smokies
As a year-round destination, the Smokies don’t have an official off-season, but do have times of peak travel and quieter, less busy times. Once the winter holidays have come and gone and true winter settles over the mountains, the region seems to quiet down a bit. While you won’t be able to enjoy the amazingly verdant rolling hills, or the saturated hues of autumn, there is still an amazing amount of natural beauty during the winter season in the Smokies. Keep in mind that even during the wintery off-season there will be times when visitation spikes and peaks again. Holidays like Valentine’s Day or any winter breaks from school may lead to a revival of heavier visitation, and many weekends remain quite busy all year. Technically, the lowest level of visitation comes from later January and throughout February, and that would be a great time to go ahead and book your stay. You’ll find vacancies in the different cabins or cottages as well as the resorts and hotels, along with all of the B&Bs or even home rentals.
Is It Worth an Off-Season Visit?
Naturally, you will want to know if you can still experience the major attractions if it is the off season, and the answer is a resounding “yes.” The larger towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have all of the usual activities and options (with the exception of Dollywood, which shuts down for January and February). Some stores or restaurants may shorten their hours, but still remain active, and the different stage shows may limit their numbers of performances, but still do their popular shows. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open, though some roads and trails have to shut down due to inclement weather. Yet, you can enjoy an amazingly unrestricted, peaceful and stress-free drive through Cades Cove or wonderful Newfound Gap, and if you hit the trails, you’ll find frozen waterfalls and wonderfully peaceful conditions. And, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, in towns like Maryville, Townsend and Alcoa, the winter is a wonderful time to visit. You can enjoy special events like the Winter Heritage Festival in late January in Townsend, and many of the breweries, distilleries and antique shops are the perfect indoor remedy for for cold weather (including this Tennessee Winter Beer Fest on February 16th).
Benefits of Off-Season Visits
If you need any further reasons to consider the Smokies as an ideal off-season destination, just consider that you’ll enjoy fewer crowds wherever you go, no lines or waiting at restaurants and popular attractions, better rates on rentals and cabins, and scenery that you will not enjoy at any other time of year. Every season is a good season to visit the Smokies, but if stress-free and ultimately peaceful is your goal, go during the tranquil off-season this winter!
We have to agree with the old song, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. The smell of peppermint, pine, and sugar cookies seems to permeate everything, there are holiday lights and songs cascading throughout the stores, and if you are headed to the Smokies, it is when the area has some really dynamic holiday events. Winter Fest in Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge is fun and fantastic to visit at any time of the year, but imagine it draped in more than five million holiday lights. This is exactly what happens every winter, when the town is transformed into an authentic winter wonderland. Their Winterfest begins in early November and runs all of the way through February (proving that the season is the best time of the year!) And while a town glittering with millions of twinkle lights is more than enough for most, the decorations are just the beginning. There are lots of different shows and events throughout the period, too. For instance, Dollywood has a Smoky Mountain Christmas with all kinds of activities, parades and fun. The Old Mill Square sets up a covered bridge and creates a magical spot in a historic setting. The Smoky Mountain Opry also dolls itself up for the season and if you are there around Thanksgiving, you can experience the region’s opening celebrations and fireworks display! The Island at Pigeon Forge becomes a major Christmas destination and features a half a million lights of its own on display in the trees and Santa’s workshop. There is a Dinner Show, and of course, the amazing Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights running from early November to the end of February. Winter Magic in Gatlinburg Not to be outdone by its neighbor, Gatlinburg has its Winter Magic events that run from November through February, as well. The town is draped with millions of light and eco-friendly visitors will appreciate that every single display and decoration is now environmentally friendly! The displays include LED lights and feature all kinds of themes and figures. You can enjoy the display from your car or book yourself some seats on the far more comfortable Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights. You enjoy a guided tour through the entire display in town and remain cozy and warm throughout. Keep in mind that there is more than the lights and special events. There is also the amazing natural scenery, and since the park is open throughout the year, a winter day hike or a drive through spots like Cades Cove and other beautiful routes could be a good way to kick off your holiday visit. Don’t forget that Ober Gatlinburg is a premiere ski destination, and the famous Village in Gatlinburg is a wonderful Christmas destination. And at the end of the day, a stay in one of the cozy cabins throughout the region could add that perfect touch of magic. After all, you can sit by the fire, gaze out at the views, and savor the twinkling stars above the twinkling lights in the towns below!
Dollywood is known as one of the finest and most family-friendly destinations in the country. A theme park, it is also a cultural institution that introduces millions of visitors to many different elements of the Smokies region and the people who have lived there for centuries. Yet, for all of the amazing entertainment, food and activity that happens there throughout the year, it becomes an entirely enchanted spot at Christmas. In fact, it is fair to say that Dollywood actually glows when the season comes around, and from November through January of every year, it becomes a perfect spot to bring kids of all ages.
The Main Christmas Events at Dollywood
The entire park takes on a winter wonderland appearance for the season, and visitors can enjoy:
Parade of Many Colors
Award-Winning Shows
Visits with Rudolph and Friends
Entertainment
Seasonal Dining
And illuminating all of this is more than four million holiday lights. In fact, beginning in 2018, the Dollywood park has a brand-new themed area along with the more familiar scenes and landscapes. Known as Glacier Ridge Wonder, it has a 50-foot video motion Christmas tree that turns the plaza into a symphony of lights. There is a stunning Northern Lights display, with an unbelievable “aurora borealis” effect, and there is also an all-new winter wonderland that brings the North Pole to Tennessee.
The Songs of Christmas
Entertainment options include the famous Christmas in the Smokies stage show that is a holiday tradition in Dollywood. The park also has a presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life based on the famous film, a version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and limited musical performances that include the Appalachian Christmas, a Southern Gospel show, performances by The Mistle Tones, and a presentation of O’ Holy Night. The daily Parade of Many Colors also includes musical performances along with stunning light displays and floats. And to ensure that kids (or kids at heart) truly enjoy every moment spent at Dollywood, there are many family-friendly activities that include meetups with Santa, Rudolph and more. There are also the park’s award-winning seasonal foods and treats that will satisfy even the most discerning (i.e. picky) eaters. From southern specialties at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant to new takes on old classics at the Front Porch, and from the treats at Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse to the Appalachian specialties at Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans, there are many delicious ways to experience a new holiday dining tradition. Other eateries at Dollywood include Red’s Drive-In, Frannie’s Famous Fried Chicken food truck, Victoria’s Pizza, Lumber Jack’s Pizza, the Big Skillet, the wonderful snacks at the Grist Mill, Dogs N Taters, Crossroad’s Funnel Cakes, the Grandstand Café and the amazing Sweet Shoppe and Candy Kitchen. Grab some additional goodies from Spotlight Bakery or just step in to look at one of their 25-pound apple pies. And if you want to share some worship time with the kids, Dollywood has its charming Smoky Mountain Christmas Chapel, which is an authentic country church beautifully decorated for the season!
Millions of people pay a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, and they don’t limit their visits to the spring, summer or fall. It is a year-round destination, full of beautiful and unmatched scenery, lots of native flora and fauna, and many things to do. After all, you can enjoy visits to historic buildings while in the park, take driving tours along amazing roadways and scenic highways (including the brand-new section of the Foothills Parkway), and even go hiking.
Winter Hiking in the Smokies is Amazing
In fact, the winter hiking is quite amazing with trails for all levels of experience. And if you are considering a hike into the glorious wintertime landscape in the Smokies, you may want to pay attention to any opportunities for waterfall viewing. The National Park Service explains that there are “over 2,000 miles of streams in the Smokies, dotted with sparkling waterfalls and cascades” and around 40 waterfalls that you can reach by trail or even by car. If you are going to be paying a visit to the area this winter, you don’t even have to get dressed up for a day on the trails because there are also several gorgeous waterfalls that you can reach and view by car!
The Winter Waterfalls of the Smokies
Let’s start with the waterfalls easiest to enjoy from the coziness of your car or truck. There are several spots recommended by experts and hikers alike. Meigs Falls – Take Little River Road in the park and at roughly 13 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you will find the pull-off area for year-round views of the falls. Don’t go fast because it is a “blink and you miss it” pull-off. You will be astonished at the volumes of ice that build up on these lovely falls. The Sinks – This is also another set of falls located along the Little River Road, and you will hit this one around 12 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It has an easier-to-find parking area, and though the falls are not as high as others, they are often stunning because the entire volume of the river flows through this area, building up loads of ice. If you wish to hike, you can easily reach spots like Laurel Falls, situated at the northern end of the park, or Tom Branch Falls at the southern end. Both are reached by moderate hikes that are well worth the effort. In fact, Laurel Falls is popular all year long and is just a 1.3-mile paved trail with truly stunning scenery. Skilled hikers may head to Rainbow Falls, a 5.5-mile trail or Alum Cave Bluff Trail that is the tallest peak in the park. Do pay attention to the weather reports no matter what sort of waterfall viewing you have planned and reschedule if any extreme conditions are predicted. The scenery from your cozy cabin can be just as appealing as anything you might see from the car or during a hike, and you can plan a return visit in the spring if you want to see the falls when they wake back up for the season!
If you are wondering where you might travel to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas in the Smokies, you may find that the Peaceful Side offers a surprising array of holiday experiences for people of all ages.
Winterfest
For most, it all begins with the different Winterfest kickoff events that occur in the larger towns of the area. Winterfest is an annual event that sees the region draped in millions of holiday lights and really celebrating the season with all kinds of special events, programs and decorations. The kickoff events usually include parades, such as the Townsend Christmas Parade or the parades in Gatlinburg, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge. In fact, Winterfest is thought to be one of the most anticipated celebrations throughout the entire Smokies region. You can partake of it by following one of the different self-guided auto routes, or you can have just as much fun by staying in the towns. This is because the many different businesses get in on all of the fun and host everything from special food or beverage tastings to entertainment, meetings with Santa and more.
Trolley Rides
As part of the Winterfest experience, you can also enjoy one of the different trolley rides that let you savor the views and hop on or off whenever you see something you’d like to do. The trolleys are affordably priced and you can even find tickets online for some of them. Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Kodak (near Sevierville) is a popular destination and offers lots to see and do.
Dollywood
As one of the most family-friendly spots in the country, Dollywood also really shines at Christmas. Guests will meet costumed characters, enjoy a parade of lights, see the “Carol of Trees” and be able to catch a musical show that features Dolly Parton herself (well, a hologram of her!)
Views Galore
Another way to really savor the magical holiday experience in the Smokies is to use one of the destinations that brings travelers far above the towns and lets them get a birds-eye view of the seasonal displays. Ober Gatlinburg is one such example and is the only ski facility in the region. You don’t have to ski to enjoy it, either; you can just take a ride up the aerial tram. There is also the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge for a stunning look at the millions of lights. Of course, the views and magical experiences don’t have to be grand and overwhelming. Take the charming Holiday Model Train Exhibit at the GSM Heritage Center in Townsend, with a garden scale train and winter wonderland theme. The Santa Mouse Christmas House Craft Show is also a nice way to see some cheery holiday sights, and the mid-November Holiday Homecoming in Townsend is also a magical way to kick off the season with music, a Christmas village, a visit from Santa, crafts, food and more.
Whether you’re hunting for a gift from the heart, a new ornament for the tree or just a little extra holiday cheer, local makers have you covered. Here’s a preview of holiday markets on the Peaceful Side.
The Maryville Farmers’ Market wraps up the 2025 season with the Holly Day Market at Founders Square in downtown Maryville. From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., you’ll find late-fall produce, baked goods, specialty foods and booths stocked with ornaments, artwork and other handmade gifts. This is the final market of the year.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend hosts the Holiday Handcrafters Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artisans will set up across the grounds with pottery, textiles, fine art and seasonal pieces, all made in the region. Admission is free, and shoppers can wander through the marketplace at their own pace.
On Small Business Saturday, the Downtown Maryville Holiday Market fills Broadway Avenue with more than 150 artisan booths. Beginning at 10 a.m., shoppers can walk the length of downtown and browse everything from jewelry and woodwork to candles and Christmas décor. Families can also look for “Candy Cane Lane,” a row of free children’s activities along the street.
The Santa Mouse Christmas House returns to Dotson Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville for a three-day sale organized by the Blount County Arts and Crafts Guild. Over 50 artists and craftsmen bring jewelry, wood pieces, textiles, home décor and holiday items. Hours run 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Foothills Holiday Market marks its 10th year at Smithview Pavillion in Maryville. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., vendors set up indoors and out with handmade gifts, seasonal décor and food items. It’s a small, single-day market that works well for wrapping up holiday shopping close to home.
Make Your Own Holiday Gifts
Photo: Creative Spark Studio
If you have the time, why not get a little crafty yourself? Here are some upcoming holiday classes where you can make a gift yourself—or sit down with someone you love and create something together.
November 17 – Holiday Herbals Class with Herbalist Debbie Dickie, 10:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
It seems like spring and summer weddings get all the attention when you look at the various wedding planning sites online. Typically, these times of the year are when the majority of weddings take place. But if you are thinking about having a winter wedding, then there is only one place to go: the Smoky Mountains when they are covered with snow. From cinnamon scented rooms to hot cocoa bars, the Smokies during wintertime provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Imagine the magical photos of you and your spouse kissing with the snow falling all around you. Winter Weddings Take Skillful Planning Like any wedding, no matter what time of year, a wedding in the Smokies takes careful planning to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. To help you with this, you should consider engaging the services of a skilled wedding planner service. To go one step further, you should use one whose base of operations is close to where you plan to hold the ceremony and reception.
Using local wedding planners can help to keep costs down as they probably have an established list of local vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and so forth for you to choose from. Being local, these vendors won’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs and yours down. As an added advantage, they will likely show up even if it is snowing (unless it’s a blizzard)! Plus, they know the lay of the land and all of the local venues, which can also help with costs and the success of your event. Here Are Three Highly Recommended Wedding Planners in the Smoky Mountains If you are going to hire a wedding planner for your winter Smoky Mountain wedding, you need one who comes highly recommended. Almost Heaven Resort & Weddings A spectacular location for a sparkling winter wedding, this Smoky Mountain Resort covers 130 acres and includes helping you plan every aspect of your wedding. Almost Heaven can provide you with a full range of services such as catering, flowers, your wedding cake, photography, and private log cabins for your honeymoon. For more information, check out their wedding packages and services here. Warren Weddings & Events Warren Weddings & Events can help you plan your ultimate dream wedding in the snow-covered Smokies and serves Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From traditional church weddings to outdoor weddings in the snow and everything you need to make your wedding perfect, Warren is here to help make planning your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. Visit themhere to learn more. Sampson’s Hollow AtSampson’s Hollow, they love the chance to decorate for a winter wedding. Fences wrapped in garland and evergreen boughs. Staircases and banisters decorated with greenery with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating the entire room. Hot cocoa, spiced hot apple cider, flannel, and so much more. From helping plan your wedding to making sure everyone stays nice and warm throughout your ceremony and ensuing reception, the folks at Sampson’s Hollow provide full-service weddings in beautiful venue choices. Choosing to have a winter wedding in the Smoky Mountains may be the best decision you could possibly make. From snow-covered fields and mountains to a sleigh ride for the bride and groom. It’s hard to imagine what could be better than the clip-clop of horses’ hooves under cover of snow as the sleigh takes you to your honeymoon cabin! Make your plans now for a winter wonderland wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Recent Comments